no title

Demolition threatens original Port Columbus terminal

Some hope to save historic structure, but they have yet to find any funding

Request to buy this photoKyle Robertson | DispatchThe old airport terminal has a leaky roof that is creating a mold problem, but advocates hope to gain funding, repair the building and have offices move in once again. If no other solution can be found, officials have said they will demolish it.

More Articles

The Dispatch E-Edition

All current subscribers have full access to Digital D, which includes the E-Edition and
unlimited premium content on Dispatch.com, BuckeyeXtra.com, BlueJacketsXtra.com and
DispatchPolitics.com.
Subscribe
today!

Passengers boarded a Pennsylvania Railroad train in New York City, which whisked them to the new
Port Columbus terminal, where they boarded a plane that took them to Waynoka, Okla. There, they
boarded another train to Clovis, N.M., and then a plane to Los Angeles to complete their
journey.

The terminal served air passengers until 1958, when the current Port Columbus terminal opened.
Businesses moved into the old building, but it has been vacant in recent years. A leaky roof has
turned the interior into a mold incubator.

Those hoping to save the terminal have contacted William J. Riat, a partner at Columbus
developer Casto, about getting involved. Don M. Casto, another partner in the company, is a member
of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority board. However, Riat said he couldn’t discuss the
project yet.

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority owns the building and land. Officials said they will
demolish the building if no solution is found, but they are willing to work with the preservation
group.

The terminal is on the National Register of Historic Places, but that doesn’t prevent the
building from being razed.

“Hopefully, somebody can come up with a solution,” said Robin Holderman, the airport authority’s
chief asset and development officer. “So far, no one’s been able to make the economics work.”